FRENCH striker Moussa Dembele has reassured Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers he can cope with the pressures of the Champions League.
The 20-year-old frontman, who scored a goal in the 5-2 win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva in midweek, is eager to play his part as he prepares for his debut season at the Hoops following his summer move from Fulham.
Dembele, who scored the winner via the penalty spot in the previous game against Astana, said: “I think every player wants to play in the Champions league. It is the best competition with the best players and if you want to improve as a player then that is the best place to learn.
“I feel I am ready to play there. It was not the only reason why I came here. I wanted to work with the manager and I knew this was a great club.
“However, it would be amazing to go and play Champions League football. It is the best stage you can get.
“But we know that we have to finish off the tie. We are thinking that now it is half-time in the game. Before we look about getting into the Champions League we know we need to be professional and finish off our job.”
Dembele also praised fellow-hitman Leigh Griffiths, who scored twice against the Israelis to bring his European haul to five from five games this season.
He said: “Leigh is an excellent striker. I think we have already shown that we can work together and, hopefully, there will be chances for us to do that as the season goes on.”
